Behind the Wheel: Driving Mighty Auto Parts to Greater Heights

By: Kerry Pipes | 3,462 Reads | 1 Shares

Featured in: Franchise Update Magazine: Issue 2, 2025

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Josh+D%26rsquo%3BAgostino%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETitle%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+President+%26amp%3B+CEO%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Mighty+Distributing+System+of+America+dba+Mighty+Auto+Parts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUnits%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+94+domestic%2C+2+company+owned%2C+9+international%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAge%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+49%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears+in+franchising%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+9%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears+in+current+position%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+4%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EJosh+D%26rsquo%3BAgostino+has+spent+nearly+two+decades+in+the+%24400+billion+automotive+parts+industry+with+the+past+nine+years+immersed+in+the+franchise+world.+Since+taking+the+helm+of+Mighty+Distributing+System+of+America+%28Mighty+Auto+Parts%29+four+years+ago%2C+the+president+and+CEO+has+seen+the+company+grow+to+more+than+100+domestic+and+international+locations.+D%26rsquo%3BAgostino+keeps+a+clear+and+consistent+vision+to+empower+people%2C+focus+on+customers+and+franchises%2C+and+lead+with+integrity.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EWhen+it+comes+to+his+leadership+style%2C+think+Ken+Blanchard.+%26ldquo%3BI+strive+to+be%2C+and+hope+that+I+am%2C+a+servant+leader+in+the+style+described+in+Ken+Blanchard%26rsquo%3Bs+book%2C+%3Cem%3ELeading+at+a+Higher+Level%3C%2Fem%3E%2C%26rdquo%3B+he+says.+He+supports+his+team+by+providing+resources%2C+encouraging+collaboration%2C+and+nurturing+a+culture+that+values+performance%2C+respect%2C+and+purpose.+The+%26ldquo%3Bhead+cheerleader%26rdquo%3B+approach+has+helped+unify+the+company+around+its+mission+while+encouraging+innovation+and+accountability.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EDuring+the+Covid-19+pandemic%2C+D%26rsquo%3BAgostino+and+his+team+kept+the+company+resilient%2C+avoiding+major+disruptions+and+doubling+down+on+Mighty%26rsquo%3Bs+unique+high-touch+inventory+management+services.+His+leadership+style+is+collaborative+but+decisive%2C+balancing+data-driven+decisions+with+team+consensus+when+possible%2C+and+he+knows+how+to+make+tough+calls+when+needed.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EWhen+asked+about+the+future%2C+D%26rsquo%3BAgostino+doesn%26rsquo%3Bt+hesitate+to+aim+high%3A+%26ldquo%3BGrow+system+and+company+revenue+by+50%25+in+five+years%2C+boost+international+growth%2C+and+be+the+No.+1-rated+automotive-related+franchise+opportunity+with+happy%2C+successful+franchisees.%26rdquo%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EHe+says+he%26rsquo%3Bs+working+on+building+more+than+just+a+business%3B+he%26rsquo%3Bs+cultivating+a+culture+where+profitable+franchises+are+run+by+engaged+franchisees+and+employees+who+are+proud+to+be+part+of+the+Mighty+family.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3ELEADERSHIP%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+is+your+role+as+CEO%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I%26rsquo%3Bm+a+head+cheerleader%2C+and+a+brand%2C+franchisee%2C+and+customer+ambassador.+I+help+develop+people+and+support+them+in+achieving+professional+and+company+goals.+I+also+manage+the+organization+in+a+sound+financial+manner+and+provide+strategy+and+direction+for+the+Mighty+System.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+has+Covid-19+affected+the+way+you+have+led+your+brand%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We+did+not+let+Covid+disrupt+our+business+in+any+meaningful+way.+We+certainly+adhered+to+different+state+rules+and+regulations+along+with+fulfilling+employee+and+customer+needs%2C+but+we+mostly+stayed+the+course+of+providing+inventory+management+stocking+services+to+our+customers.+Since+Covid-19%2C+supply+chain+remains+a+large+challenge+because+of+port+delays%2C+container+shortages%2C+volatile+freight+costs%2C+and+geopolitical+conflicts.+We%26rsquo%3Bve+had+to+increase+our+inventory+substantially+to+mitigate+against+supply+chain+delays+and+disruptions.+We+also+do+Zoom+and+Teams+meetings+regularly.+Otherwise%2C+we+are+focused+on+our+differentiator+of+traditional%2C+high-touch+inventory+management+services.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDescribe+your+leadership+style.%3C%2Fstrong%3E+My+job+is+to+provide+resources%2C+motivation%2C+and+accountability+to+help+my+team+achieve+their+goals.+I+want+their+input%2C+I+want+differing+opinions%2C+and+I+want+people+who+speak+their+minds+and+share+their+ideas.+Collaboration+and+open+discussion+typically+lead+us+to+a+better+answer+than+a+top-down+approach.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+in+the+name%2C+%26ldquo%3Bservant+leader%2C%26rdquo%3B+finding+the+balance+between+leading+and+serving.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+has+inspired+your+leadership+style%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Previous+managers+and+mentors+have+really+taught+me+the+most.+During+my+career%2C+I%26rsquo%3Bve+learned+what+to+do+and+what+not+to+do+by+observing+different+management+styles+and+evaluating+the+results.+Employees+get+together+to+talk+about+their+managers%2C+as+I+did%2C+and+you+can+learn+quite+a+bit+by+really+listening.+I%26rsquo%3Bve+been+fortunate+to+work+for+some+really+impressive+people+and+tried+to+emulate+and+incorporate+their+styles+into+mine.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+is+your+biggest+leadership+challenge%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+last+5%25.+So+many+projects+get+to+95%25+completion%2C+but+the+last+5%25+is+often+the+most+difficult.+Part+of+my+position+in+holding+the+team+accountable+is+to+instill+and+nurture+the+killer+instinct+within+others+to+finish+the+job.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+do+you+transmit+your+culture+from+your+office+to+frontline+employees%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Share+Mighty%26rsquo%3Bs+company+values%2C+lead+by+example%2C+and+repeat.+If+you+want+others+to+follow%2C+you+have+to+set+a+vision%2C+live+the+values%2C+and+stay+focused+on+delivering+what+we+call+%26ldquo%3BThe+Mighty+Promise.%26rdquo%3B+It%26rsquo%3Bs+a+commitment+to+stay+franchise+and+customer+centric%2C+delivering+our+unique+service+in+an+exceptional+way%2C+not+just+a+satisfactory+way.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+not+easy%2C+by+the+way%2C+but+what+makes+it+easier+is+hiring+people+who+already+fit+the+culture+and+value+system.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+can+a+CEO+help+their+CMO+develop+and+grow%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We+have+a+vice+president+of+marketing+instead+of+a+CMO%2C+but+it%26rsquo%3Bs+really+about+results.+When+it+comes+to+marketing%2C+you+can+get+trapped+by+what+looks+flashy+and+feels+good+rather+than+what+is+leading+to+brand+recognition+and%2C+ultimately%2C+revenue.+I+work+to+help+the+marketing+team+contribute+to+overall+company+and+Mighty+System+results+in+a+tangible%2C+measurable+way.+Marketing+should+ultimately+lead+to+customer+conversions+and+growth+in+sales.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhere+is+the+best+place+to+prepare+for+leadership%3A+an+MBA+school+or+OTJ%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+On+the+job.+I%26rsquo%3Bm+a+fan+of+studying+and+reading+about+your+craft%2C+but+you+can+do+so+while+also+working+in+the+industry.+Theory+can+teach+only+so+much%2C+but+doing+can+teach+almost+everything.+I%26rsquo%3Bm+always+impressed+by+a+well-educated+person%2C+and+we+have+many+on+our+team%2C+but+we+have+just+as+many+employees+with+significant+achievements+in+their+careers+without+college+degrees.+I%26rsquo%3Bm+most+interested+in+work+ethic%2C+values%2C+commitment%2C+and+results.+More+often+than+not%2C+it+is+proven+on+the+job.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAre+tough+decisions+best+taken+by+one+person%3F+How+do+you+make+tough+decisions%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+It+depends+on+the+situation%2C+but+I+prefer+soliciting+opinions+and+thoughts+from+the+team+before+making+difficult+choices.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+best+to+have+more+information+and+general+consensus+before+decisions+are+made.+However%2C+I+do+know+when+to+step+in+and+make+final+difficult+calls+when+the+team+is+struggling+to+come+to+conclusions+or+when+an+urgent+situation+requires+timely+direction.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDo+you+want+to+be+liked+or+respected%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I%26rsquo%3Bve+never+believed+that+these+two+things+are+independent+of+each+other.+Although+not+impossible%2C+it%26rsquo%3Bs+tough+to+be+liked+when+you%26rsquo%3Bre+not+respected%2C+and+it+can+be+difficult+to+be+respected+when+you%26rsquo%3Bre+not+liked.+I+think+today%26rsquo%3Bs+employees+want+both.+At+Mighty%2C+we+work+hard%2C+but+we+also+have+fun+and+try+not+to+take+it+too+seriously+at+every+moment.+However%2C+if+you+work+too+hard+at+being+liked%2C+you+won%26rsquo%3Bt+be+respected.+You+have+to+be+tough+with+high+expectations%2C+and+ultimately%2C+most+employees+want+to+be+challenged.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+an+ongoing+effort+to+find+the+appropriate+balance.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAdvice+to+CEO+wannabes%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+You+need+to+want+it.+In+addition%2C+you+need+to+have+confidence+that+you+have+the+ability+and+drive+to+do+it+and+the+humility+to+know+you+don%26rsquo%3Bt+know+everything.+There+is+no+one+else+to+turn+to+when+times+are+tough+and+not+heading+in+the+direction+you+want.+You%26rsquo%3Bre+responsible%2C+and+first+and+foremost%2C+you+have+to+be+concerned+about+the+health+and+well-being+of+your+team%2C+your+franchisees%2C+and+their+teams.+That%26rsquo%3Bs+what+a+CEO+signs+up+to+do.+You+must+also+have+a+network+of+mentors.+I+reach+out+to+mine+regularly.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EMANAGEMENT%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDescribe+your+management+style%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+asked+two+current+team+members+and+the+previous+president+and+CEO+of+Mighty.+Here%26rsquo%3Bs+a+summary%3A+Thoughtful%2C+listens+to+input+from+the+team%2C+personable+with+high+expectations%2C+challenges+others+to+produce+and+perform+at+a+high+level%2C+leads+from+the+front+with+integrity%2C+franchise+focused%2C+can+get+fired+up+at+times%2C+recognizes+achievements%2C+brings+clarity+and+decisiveness.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3ESeriously%2C+the+previous+description+is+what+these+three+individuals+said%2C+and+I%26rsquo%3Bm+honored+by+their+words.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+does+your+management+team+look+like%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Mighty+was+led+by+the+same+four+people+for+more+than+20+years.+When+I+joined%2C+we+began+a+process+of+purposeful+succession+planning+as+the+leadership+team+retired.+Today%2C+we+have+an+incredibly+dedicated+team+with+a+CRO%2C+director+of+IT%2C+controller%2C+VP+of+marketing%2C+VP+of+operations%2C+VP+of+franchise+operations%2C+VP+of+sales%2C+VP+of+strategic+accounts+%26amp%3B+international+development%2C+VP+of+product+strategy%2C+VP+%26amp%3B+general+manager%2C+Mighty+Product+Center%2C+and+director+of+warehouse+operations%2C+Mighty+Product+Center.+Their+dedication+to+Mighty+is+unmatched.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+does+your+management+team+help+you+lead%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Mighty+has+done+a+fine+job+of+hiring+a+leadership+team+aligned+with+our+shared+values+of+positive+customer+service%2C+commitment+to+integrity+and+quality%2C+respect+for+the+individual%2C+reward+for+performance%2C+and+focus+on+growth.+Simply+put%2C+the+team+does+what+needs+to+be+done+within+our+culture+and+values.+They+know+when+to+make+the+decisions+themselves+and+when+to+get+me+involved.+Values%2C+professionalism%2C+and+commitment+are+never+in+question.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFavorite+management+gurus%3A+Do+you+read+management+books%3F+%28please+name%29%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+almost+exclusively+read+books+about+politics%2Fpolitical+theory+or+business.+My+favorite+business+books+over+the+years+include+%3Cem%3EThink+and+Grow+Rich%2C+Leading+at+a+Higher+Level%2C+First%2C+Break+All+the+Rules%2C%3C%2Fem%3E+and+%3Cem%3EShackleton%26rsquo%3Bs+Way%3C%2Fem%3E.+I+find+that+I+go+back+to+principles+and+concepts+in+these+books+regularly.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+makes+you+say%2C+%26ldquo%3BYes%2C+now+that%26rsquo%3Bs+why+I+do+what+I+do%21%26rdquo%3B%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Every+year%2C+Mighty+recognizes+the+best+of+the+system+during+our+annual+awards+banquet%3A+Salesperson+of+the+Year%2C+Rookie+of+the+Year%2C+Operational+Excellence%2C+Franchise+of+the+Year%2C+and+more.+Every+time%2C+at+least+one+winner+gets+on+stage%2C+fighting+back+tears.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+absolutely+amazing+and+humbling+to+see+how+much+people+love+Mighty+and+being+a+part+of+our+franchise+system.+I+personally+present+Franchise+of+the+Year%2C+and+it%26rsquo%3Bs+annually+my+favorite+moment.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EOPERATIONS%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+trends+are+you+seeing+with+consumer+spending+habits+in+your+stores%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Just+about+everything+everywhere+is+more+expensive%2C+so+consumers+are+trading+down+to+save+money.+For+example%2C+people+are+choosing+a+24-month+battery+instead+of+a+36-month+battery%2C+or+they+are+looking+for+less+expensive+oil+change+options.+Deferred+vehicle+maintenance+is+perpetual+in+our+industry%2C+but+it+gets+worse+in+leaner+economic+times.+Car+counts+are+flat+or+down+at+many+of+our+customers%2C+and+repair+ticket+averages+are+much+the+same.+We+experience+these+down+periods+from+time+to+time%2C+but+usually%2C+it+is+short-lived+for+our+industry+given+that+people+need+their+cars+and+trucks+to+stay+on+the+road.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+critical+to+their+lives.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+is+the+economy+driving+consumer+behavior+in+your+system%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Our+industry+tends+to+grow+in+both+good+and+bad+economic+times%2C+but+right+now%2C+we+are+seeing+consumer+malaise+given+the+uncertainty.+Continued+inflation+and+now+tariffs+are+encouraging+caution+when+it+comes+to+spending.+However%2C+new+cars+are+pricey%2C+interest+rates+are+higher+than+many+are+accustomed+to%2C+and+the+average+age+of+vehicles+on+the+road+is+12.6+years.+Further%2C+there%26rsquo%3Bs+a+record+number+of+292+million+registered+vehicles+that+are+more+than+15+years+old.+These+factors+alone+will+cause+our+customers+to+continue+to+invest+in+their+existing+cars+and+trucks.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+are+you+expecting+from+your+market+in+the+next+12+months%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I%26rsquo%3Bm+optimistic.+Macroeconomics+certainly+influences+our+market%2C+but+vehicles+are+necessities+and+can+only+be+ignored+for+so+long.+My+outlook+is+a+bit+conservative+for+now.+However%2C+Mighty+has+so+much+to+offer%2C+and+we+have+recently+diversified+into+several+other+product+categories+and+customer+verticals.+Mighty+is+nimbler+than+many+of+our+competitors%2C+so+we+really+have+no+excuse.+I+always+ask%2C+%26ldquo%3BAre+we+doing+business+with+everyone+that+buys+auto+parts%2C+chemicals%2C+and+accessories%3F%26rdquo%3B+Of+course%2C+not.+So+let%26rsquo%3Bs+get+more+customers%21%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAre+your+franchisees+bullish+or+bearish+about+growth+and+adding+additional+units%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Our+franchisees+are+entrepreneurs%2C+so+they+are+almost+always+bullish+about+growth.+Their+spirit%2C+perseverance%2C+and+commitment+are+simply+incredible.+Our+system+is+primarily+single-unit+operators+due+to+how+we+go+to+market+and+the+size+of+territories.+We+operate+on+a+route+delivery+schedule+across+100+miles+or+so+per+territory%2C+so+multi-unit+operators+are+not+necessarily+what+we+pursue.+We+have+plenty+of+penetration+to+achieve+in+existing+markets.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAre+commodity%2Fsupply+costs+any+cause+for+concern+in+your+system%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Absolutely.+We+operate+in+a+huge+market%2C+competing+with+large%2C+publicly+traded+companies+like+O%26rsquo%3BReilly+and+NAPA%2C+retailers+like+Walmart%2C+locally+owned+auto+parts+stores%2C+and+everything+in+between.+Our+industry+globally+sources+products%2C+so+we+are+regularly+evaluating+our+supply+chain+and+competitive+pricing+activity.+In+addition%2C+we%26rsquo%3Bre+managing+significant+existing+tariffs+and+now+new+tariffs.+We+have+to+diligently+manage+these+costs+to+stay+competitive+in+a+highly+fragmented+market.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn+what+ways+are+political%2Fglobal+issues+impacting+the+market+and+your+brand%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+word+of+the+year+is+%26ldquo%3Btariffs.%26rdquo%3B+We+must+successfully+manage+these+cost+increases+to+help+our+franchises+remain+competitive+in+the+market+against+numerous+other+distributors.+The+entire+market+will+see+these+price+increases%2C+so+parity+will+likely+remain.+In+addition%2C+armed+conflict+in+certain+regions+hurts+the+predictability+of+supply+chain+lead+times+and+costs.+We+have+decided+to+build+safety+stock+in+our+inventory+to+mitigate+against+these+challenges.+Ultimately%2C+uncertainty+often+causes+inaction+by+the+consumer%2C+but+it+is+Mighty%26rsquo%3Bs+job+to+find+opportunities+in+this+environment+and+persevere.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3ETECHNOLOGY%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+much+influence+does+your+IT+department+have+on+your+brand%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Quite+a+bit.+Many+of+our+technology+tools+are+customer+facing%2C+and+the+experience+consumers+have+with+them+is+a+direct+reflection+of+Mighty.+Ease+of+use%2C+effectiveness+of+results%2C+and+speed+are+critical+to+complementing+the+high-touch+nature+of+our+service+model.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+have+your+company%26rsquo%3Bs+tech+tools+changed+over+the+past+five+years%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+advancement+of+technology%2C+like+e-commerce+and+AI%2C+and+customer+use+of+these+tools+have+accelerated+over+the+past+five+years.+Further%2C+customer+expectations+have+increased.+Like+so+many+other+companies%2C+Mighty+is+investing+more+dollars+in+technology.+We+are+focused+on+resources+that+our+customers+use.+We+want+to+complement+our+high-touch+service%2C+not+replace+it%2C+while+improving+productivity+and+making+it+easier+for+our+customers+to+do+business+with+our+franchises.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+does+technology+influence+your+decisions%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+It+depends+on+what+we%26rsquo%3Bre+considering.+Does+it+improve+productivity%2C+save+money%2C+or+enhance+our+service%3F+If+so+and+if+we+have+the+proper+budget+and+resources+allocated+and+available%2C+we%26rsquo%3Bll+seriously+consider+an+investment.+With+technology+costs+having+grown+greatly+these+past+few+years%2C+determining+ROI+is+more+important+than+it+was+a+few+years+ago.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAre+you+using+AI%3F+How%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We+are+in+the+beginning+stages+of+AI+at+this+time.+Right+now%2C+we+are+using+it+for+communications%2C+summarizing+meetings+and+calls%2C+and+gathering+data.+We+have+identified+a+project+lead+within+Mighty+to+put+together+a+road+map+identifying+needs+from+basic+to+advanced+levels.+We%26rsquo%3Bll+then+start+implementing+these+tools+to+provide+an+economic+value+to+the+Mighty+System+and+to+enhance+customer+experience.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+do+you+measure+your+ROI+on+technology+investments%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Tough+question.+We+consider+two+things%3A+Are+there+any+direct+cost+savings+and%2For+revenue+generation+resulting+from+a+tech+investment%2C+and%2For+does+the+technology+make+something+easier+for+our+customers+and+reduce+friction%3F+The+former+is+easier+to+determine+when+comparing+one+cost+to+another%2C+but+the+latter+is+more+about+making+ourselves+stickier+to+our+customers+by+being+easy+to+work+with+and+accommodating+to+their+needs.+The+ROI+here+is+often+a+judgment+call+based+on+customer+needs+and+industry+trends.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+did%2Fdo+you+create+a+culture+where+use+of+technology+advancements+is+welcome+and+used%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Living+in+Atlanta%2C+I+fly+Delta+regularly.+I+remember+when+the+website+changed%2C+and+I+was+annoyed.+It+wasn%26rsquo%3Bt+long+until+I+couldn%26rsquo%3Bt+recall+what+the+old+site+was+even+like+or+what+I+preferred+about+it.+Often%2C+people+want+change+until+the+change+actually+comes%21+I+try+to+remember+my+personal+experience+so+that+we%26rsquo%3Bre+not+deterred.+We+try+to+stay+focused+on+technological+changes+that+increase+productivity+or+provide+value+to+our+franchises+and+end-user+customers.+We+work+to+avoid+making+a+technology+change+for+change%26rsquo%3Bs+sake.+It+must+have+a+clear+upside+for+our+franchisees%2C+customers%2C+and+Mighty+overall.+Initially%2C+the+value+may+not+be+clear+to+users%2C+but+if+we+choose+correctly%2C+the+benefit+will+soon+surface.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EPERSONAL%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+time+do+you+like+to+be+at+your+desk%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Around+7%3A45+a.m.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EExercise+in+the+morning%3F+Wine+with+lunch%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+travel+regularly%2C+so+I+tend+to+exercise+in+the+morning+when+on+the+road+and+during+the+weekend+when+at+home.+I+also+play+in+two+softball+leagues+almost+all+year+long.+Sweet+tea%26mdash%3Bmy+nemesis%26mdash%3Bwith+lunch.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDo+you+socialize+with+your+team+after+work%2Foutside+the+office%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We+entertain+guests+and+franchisees+quite+a+bit%2C+so+socializing+outside+of+the+office+is+fairly+common+in+that+context.+Mighty+holds+a+kickoff+party+each+new+year+with+spouses+or+significant+others%2C+and+we+organize+multiple+social+events+in+the+office+to+celebrate+record+months%2C+life+events%2C+birthdays%2C+and+sometimes+just+for+fun.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELast+two+books+read%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+%3Cem%3EOmnipreneurship%3C%2Fem%3E+by+Amr+Al-Dabbagh%2C+a+large+distributor+of+ours+overseas%2C+and+%3Cem%3EWillie+Nelson%26rsquo%3Bs+Letters+to+America%3C%2Fem%3E.+I+do+love+Willie.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+technology+do+you+take+on+the+road%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+My+laptop+and+phone.+Typically%2C+it%26rsquo%3Bs+everything+I+need.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+do+you+relax%2Fbalance+life+and+work%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+It%26rsquo%3Bs+difficult+at+times+because+my+brain+is+always+churning%2C+and+I%26rsquo%3Bm+almost+never+not+connected.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+simply+part+of+the+position.+When+I%26rsquo%3Bm+home%2C+however%2C+I+put+the+phone+down+and+focus+on+family+and+community.+I+volunteer%2C+exercise%2C+cook%2C+travel%2C+play+softball%2C+and+socialize+with+friends.+I+thoroughly+enjoy+watching+my+Texas+Longhorns+although+that%26rsquo%3Bs+not+always+relaxing%2C+and+there%26rsquo%3Bs+nothing+like+going+to+a+Major+League+baseball+game.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFavorite+vacation+destination%28s%29%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Destin%2C+Florida%2C+is+a+must+each+year.+As+a+family%2C+we+also+loved+Oaxaca%2C+Mexico%2C+and+Quebec+City%2C+Canada.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFavorite+occasions+to+send+employees+notes%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We+recognize+birthdays%2C+and+I+handwrite+and+personalize+work+anniversary+notes+each+month+for+my+team.+I+also+send+emails+for+jobs+well+done+for+specific+events%2C+and+I+could+get+better+in+this+area.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFavorite+company+product%2Fservice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Our+headlight+restoration+kit.+If+you+have+headlights+that+have+yellowed+and+you%26rsquo%3Bre+willing+to+invest+about+fifteen+minutes+of+time%2C+you+will+have+crystal+clear+headlights+with+no+equipment+needed.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+like+magic%21%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EBOTTOM+LINE%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+are+your+long-term+goals+for+the+company%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Continue+to+increase+franchise+profitability%2C+grow+system+and+company+revenue+by+50%25+in+five+years%2C+and+boost+international+growth.+We+want+to+diversify+our+product+offering+with+car+appearance+products%2C+janitorial-sanitation+suppliers%2C+and+heavy+duty.+We+also+want+to+be+the+No.+1-rated+automotive-related+franchise+opportunity+with+happy%2C+successful+franchisees+and+employees+who+love+Mighty+and+what+they+do+each+day.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+has+the+economy+changed+your+goals+for+your+company%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We%26rsquo%3Bre+a+bit+more+conservative+right+now+on+our+top-line+forecast+for+budgeting+purposes%2C+but+frankly%2C+we+have+so+much+to+offer+in+our+%24400+billion+industry.+We+have+plenty+of+room+to+capture+market+share+and+outperform+the+industry%2C+and+we+will.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhere+can+capital+be+found+these+days%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Fortunately%2C+Mighty+doesn%26rsquo%3Bt+need+capital%2C+and+our+franchisees+are+well+funded+with+existing%2C+local+relationships.+Our+primary+banking+relationship+is+beneficial.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+do+%3Cem%3Eyou%3C%2Fem%3E+measure+success%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Are+those+around+me+successful+and+achieving+both+personal+and+professional+goals%3F+If+the+answer+is+yes%2C+then+I+feel+I%26rsquo%3Bm+meeting+my+responsibility.+Success+in+business+consists+of+two+things%3A+happiness+and+profit.+Are+my+franchisees+both+happy+and+profitable%3F+Are+my+employees+happy%2C+successful%2C+and+committed%3F+Am+I+helping+Mighty+franchisees+reach+their+goals+and%2C+in+turn%2C+leading+my+company+to+its+goals%3F+If+the+answers+are+yes%2C+then+I+feel+fulfilled.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+has+been+your+greatest+success%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+When+I+first+joined+Mighty+in+2016%2C+we+were+reviewing+the+financials+of+select+franchisees.+One%2C+in+particular%2C+stood+out+to+me%2C+and+I+volunteered+to+get+involved.+It+consisted+of+two+partners%2C+and+we+uncovered+that+one+was+stealing+from+the+business+and+effectively+bankrupting+it.+We+devised+a+plan+with+the+minority+partner+to+save+the+business+against+all+odds%2C+but+we+did+it.+Six+years+later%2C+that+franchise+won+Mighty%26rsquo%3Bs+Franchise+of+the+Year%2C+paid+off+all+debt%2C+and+is+now+above+average+financially+when+compared+to+peers.+I+had+a+difficult+time+announcing+the+Franchise+of+the+Year+award+at+our+National+Sales+Meeting+because+I+was+so+proud+of+what+was+accomplished.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAny+regrets%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I%26rsquo%3Bm+sure+I+have+some%2C+but+I+work+to+treat+any+regretful+moments+or+decisions+more+as+lessons+learned.+Mistakes+are+made%2C+and+taking+risks+means+making+mistakes.+You+try+to+learn+from+those+errors+rather+than+dwell+on+them.+It%26rsquo%3Bs+a+learning+opportunity.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+can+we+expect+from+your+company+in+the+next+12+to+18+months%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+We%26rsquo%3Bre+focused+on+franchise+sales%2C+operational+excellence%2C+profit+performance%2C+IT+advancements%2C+international+expansion%2C+M%26amp%3BA+opportunities%2C+and+product+and+customer+diversification.+We+must+continue+to+deliver+our+differentiator%2C+The+Mighty+Promise%2C+in+a+way+that+not+only+meets+expectations%2C+but+exceeds+them.%3C%2Fp%3E

Published: June 29th, 2025